The rule of 10 minutes, 100 less and 5 more....It's simple!

I’ve found if I wait 10 minutes before I grab for the extra “goodie” or the second helping, I can usually walk away from it without feeling deprived.  I have also found that if I give myself only 10 minutes of exercise on a particularly hectic day, I will feel more energy, less harried and most often, want to go a bit longer. 

I can easily eat 100 less calories from two of my daily meals and most often it is the mindless munching, such as the bag of cherries driving home from the store or the few extra nuts I continue to nibble without even noticing or the hunk of bread while waiting for my meal at a restaurant, that spares me even more calories. 

I know I can deliver 5 more repetitions of a particular exercise when I think I’m done!  After all, it is those last five that create the extra bit of muscle it takes to keep our metabolism on high speed. Now, consider the changes you could make in 60 days:  About a five-pound loss of fat, a stronger more toned body and YOU fitting into your jeans comfortably!

Why am I doing this?  I feel ridiculous standing in front of a time release camera.  But, I decided not to hide from, what I consider, my flaws.  I am an advocate of self- acceptance, but I am also a

woman.  And, showing  my near 53 year old self in a bikini, and no makeup, is not easy!  We can be so cruel to ourselves.  I know I am human and therefore, flawed.  But, why do I hold myself to a higher standard?  How about " I am flawed and I am beautiful"?  My beauty is not measured by my hips (I wish I had some!), but measured by the love I give and receive.  I am so fortunate to have you all, thank you!

Take a photo or yourself today.  Use it as a point of reference.  Try my simple “10, 100, 5" plan.  You won't spend a dime on a diet book or special food.  It is time to live without deprivation and suffering.

You deserve it!  Let me know how you are doing.  I would love to hear from you! 

Making tasty goodies with my 
plum sauce!

These are bowls full of wild plums from a meadow near my house and organic Santa Rosa plums from a neighbor (along with blackberries from down our road).

My plum sauce is made by stemming and rinsing them before putting them into a sauce pan.  

Cover and place them on medium heat until they begin to liquefy and lightly boil. Strain pulp through a sieve and throw away pits and skin left behind.  Put strained pulp back into saucepan and heat adding sugar to taste.  (I added a 1/2 cup of unbleached, raw sugar for approximately 2 1/2 quarts of sauce.)
 Cover and turn down heat to simmer about a half an hour.  

Great ways to enjoy plum sauce:  mixed with yogurt or cottage cheese, spread atop to toast, as a part of a marinade (which are usually made from equal parts sour, sweet and salty liquids; so, perhaps add soy sauce, vinegar, favorite spices and garlic) OR........

......my Bodeci Plumjito!

Pour 1 jigger (one and a half ounces) of vodka or rum,

two tablespoons of plum sauce and

a half cup of sparkling water  over ice filled cocktail glass.  
Optional:  Add simple syrup (or favorite sugar)  to taste.
Add fresh, finely chopped mint and

sip slowly while you enjoy the sunset!

Ciao, bella!